Young people from 14 schools across Dorset are participating in a dedicated youth climate event designed to empower the next generation as world leaders convene at the COP31 international climate conference in Turkey. The inaugural Dorset Youth COP, held at Kingston Maurwood campus, brings together students to explore climate action, environmental careers and their role in addressing the ecological crisis. According to BBC News, the event coincides with the broader Dorset COP 2026 gathering scheduled for Saturday.
This story was first reported by BBC News.
Maria Clarke, of Dorset Local Nature Partnership, emphasised the importance of including young voices in climate solutions.
Young people are inheriting the climate and ecological emergencies that previous generations have created and need to be given a voice in jointly developing and implementing the solutions to these issues.She added that the Youth COP aims to raise awareness and inspire participants to take action both now and in the future.
The youth-focused event reflects growing recognition that young people must shape climate policy. COP31's official programme designates 14 November to "Children, Youth, Education and Skills," aligning the international summit's schedule with local youth initiatives across participating nations.
What will the Youth COP cover?
The Dorset Youth COP includes structured discussions about how young people perceive climate change and panel sessions introducing them to careers in the climate and energy sectors. Participants will explore pathways into environmental work as the transition to clean energy accelerates globally.
What is happening at the main Dorset COP event?
The fourth annual Dorset COP 2026 event takes place on the same day at Kingston Maurwood Campus near Dorchester, bringing together community groups, environmental organisations, experts and political leaders. The 2026 theme is "How to Impact Climate and Nature," with advertised workshops covering local rivers, nature recovery, food resilience, energy projects and active travel.
The programme will examine how Dorset can respond to climate change, nature loss, food resilience, pollution and other environmental challenges. An exhibition featuring over 30 local organisations will showcase regional climate initiatives, and a Question Time-style panel will bring together Dorset MPs, council leaders and independent climate experts. The panel is advertised as including leaders from Dorset and BCP councils, MPs and General Richard Nugee.
Giles Watts, chair of Dorset CAN, described the event's ambition to create lasting change.
We want to bring people together, listen to different perspectives and energise local communities and politicians to act more quickly on the pressing challenges we face.
Why does this matter now?
The timing of these local events reflects momentum at the international level. COP31's leaders-level summit on non-CO₂ greenhouse gases announced more than US$480 million in new philanthropic commitments and an additional US$25 million for a country action accelerator. Meanwhile, COP31 is scheduled to run in Antalya through 20 November 2026, providing a critical window for nations to strengthen climate commitments.
Dorset's focus on youth engagement and local solutions reflects a broader shift in climate action. Earlier this year, young people have been taking the lead on environmental challenges in the region. In September, sixteen young people participated in a hackathon at Ipswich's Jerwood Dancehouse, developing creative solutions to combat light pollution, wildfires, ocean damage and water quality issues. Similarly, Dedham pupils tested River Stour water and found pollution threatening this beauty spot, aiming to raise awareness and seek action to protect the river's future.
What happens next?
Dorset COP is scheduled for Saturday 14 November, running from 9:00 to 17:00 at Coastland College in Dorchester, with registration from 8:30. The Youth COP will run concurrently, ensuring young people have a dedicated space to contribute to climate discussions alongside adult participants and decision-makers.
